The media is in a frenzy.
I'm receiving emails and texts daily about the coronavirus. Many are scared, understandably.
I am doing my best to stay educated while also abstaining from being obsessed about updates... doing my best to learn how to keep my loved ones and I safe...washing our hands, avoiding touching our face...sanitizing everything... and praying fervently!
I've noticed after taking a break from social media and coming back on that more moms are interested in working out at home, as well as potentially homeschooling as a result of what's happening. Some moms already are having to homeschool due to schools being closed down.
If that's you, you may be interested in my membership program--I offer an online digital workout library (so you can avoid crowded gyms!) and work with moms on my private site. We've even started to add content on there for kids to become their best selves too including kid led workouts, affirmations, and more.
As many of you know from Instagram, I do all my workouts at home. I've recently cancelled my gym membership (that I used all of once the past six weeks) in an effort to further simplify my life. I've always been a homebody, so doing this was very liberating for me. I love my home. We as women have the power to create a holy sanctuary where we live. I believe this time is a chance for us to be more intentional about the energy we invite in our homes and lives (more to come on this in future posts).
As I mentioned in my first blog post, this blog is really dedicated to the women and families that feel, like me, that internal nudge to slow down, enjoy the privilege of motherhood, and escape the pressure to always be "doing something"--(something we've been programmed to think is normal). Everything happening in the media right now, albeit very distracting, does not need to take our joy out of being mothers, and enjoying our daily lives in homeschooling. We can use it as a divine opportunity to enjoy our homes, children, and family life all the more.
Life is just too precious to waste it on anything other than what matters.
And without further ado, here's what we've been up to with our homeschooling journey since our last post in our effort to do just that!
1. Bible Study
We've been incorporating bible study in our homeschooling more consistenly. This includes reading their kid's bible, singing praise songs, and memorizing (and hopefully implementing) scriptures. This month's theme is the fruits of the Spirit, and studying them in depth. This has been the most rewarding, fulfilling part of homeschooling for me!
2. Charity
Speaking of the fruits of the spirit (charity, generosity), we've been donating A LOT here we simply don't need (again, in an effort to simplify). The kids gather toys, clothes, and I gather the same along with household items and we drop them off at our local thrift store. I've had people try to convince me that selling was the way to go, but it feels right for us to donate! It's easier, faster, and more fulfilling.
3. Extracurricular Activities
My goal as a mom is to keep an eye out for my kid's gifts and talents, and push them to further develop those. Eliel? Loves the drums. Ariel? Is a ballet fanatic. We have practices three (or more) times a week at home. We'll eventually get them back in classes, but for now, YouTube tutorials (and dance tutorials from me) work just fine!
4. The Basics
Eliel is learning the basics--math, spelling, reading, science, etc. But we get creative outside of our cirriculum book to make homeschooling FUN! This week? We practiced Eliel's chef skills and practiced math while doing so. For reading, we make it a tea party (or hot chocolate!!), and read as a family. He also reads before bed to his siblings.
5. Nutrition and Healthy Living
Since I'm a full time fitness & lifestyle coach (and work from home), the kids overhear many of my coaching calls, see my video training sessions, and have questions...why do we eat this and not that, mommy? What is 'organic'? Why do we buy it? Why does working out matter? I love answering their questions! I think kids are much more apt to making good choices when adults take time to explain why doing so matters.
There is so much more I want to share with you all! Let me know your questions on our Instagram posts and I will aim to answer them in our next posts!
I'll leave you with this bible verse I've been meditating on to stay calm during these times:
With love,
Monica, Eliel, Ariel, Rafael